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8322-5 Den of Nargun

This information has been developed from the publications:

    • Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in Central Gippsland (1981) by Neville Rosengren, M.S McRae-Williams and S.M Kraemers.
    • Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the Gippsland Lakes Catchment (1984) by Neville Rosengren.
    • Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in East Gippsland, Victoria (1981) by Neville Rosengren, M.S McRae-Williams
Geological heritage sites, including sites of geomorphological interest and volcanic heritage sites, are under regular revision by the Geological Society of Australia, especially in the assessment of significance and values. Reference should be made to the most recent reports. See the Earth Science Heritage section of the Geological Society of Australia website for details of geological heritage reports, and a bibliography.




Location:

310275. Seven kilometres north of Iguana Creek.

Abstract:

Short gorge, waterfalls and caves.

Access:

Waller Road.

Ownership:

Crown land (Glenaladale National Park).

Geology/Geomorphology:

Incision by Woolshed Creek to the local base level of the Mitchell River has resulted in the formation of a short gorge, characterised by benched cliffs and low waterfalls. Approximately 1.5 kilometres upstream from the Mitchell River a cavern known as the Den of Nargun cave (GP-5) has formed at the base of a waterfall in the Creek. This cavern has resulted from the erosion of fine shattered mudstone occurring beneath more resistant sandstone and pebbly sandstone, the latter forming an prominent overhang. Several large stalactites mark the entrance of the cavern. Smaller stalactites within the cavern have been extensively damaged by vandalism. The cavern entrance is masked by a waterfall during periods of high rainfall and Woolshed Creek has excavated a plunge pool at the base of the falls.

Significance:

Local. Small caverns commonly occur in the Upper Devonian - Lower Carboniferous sediments of the Mitchell River area. The Den of Nargun cave is the largest known example of this cavern formation and is of particular significance for its decoration.

Management:

Vandalism of the cavern decoration has significantly reduced the value of this site - and control measures are necessary to prevent further deterioration in this way.
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